NFL Player News

Folk (back) is officially active for Thursday's game against the Rams.

Folk has drawn the questionable tag the past five games, but he's yet to miss any action. The veteran has connected on 20 of 22 field goal attempts this season and made 26 of his 28 extra-point tries. It will be a tough test for the Patriots' offense Thursday, as the Rams defense has given up the fifth-fewest points per game (20.3) this season.

Gay (shoulder) is listed as active Thursday against the Patriots, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Gay made a sudden appearance on Wednesday's injury report as a limited participant and questionable for this Week 14 contest. The Rams even called up an insurance policy in Austin MacGinnis earlier Thursday. After making a number of kicks during pregame warmups, though, Gay has been cleared to suit up. During his three-game stint in L.A., he's nailed five of seven field-goal attempts and all 10 point-after tries.

Boswell (hip) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Boswell wasn't able to suit up for Monday's loss to Washington, and he also missed Wednesday's practice, but it now certainly looks like he's trending in the right direction for Sunday's road game against the Bills. If Boswell were to suffer any unexpected setbacks, though, the Steelers could always call Matthew Wright back up from the practice squad.

Tucker made two of three field-goal attempts and all four extra-point tries in Tuesday's 34-17 win over the Cowboys.

Tucker missed a 36-yard try in the second quarter, putting an end to his streak of 70 straight successful field goals from within 40 yards, an NFL record. He drilled his next two tries of the evening, perhaps starting a new streak. Tucker will look to keep it rolling in Week 14 against the Browns.

Folk (back) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Rams.

Folk has carried the questionable tag into each of the last five games now, as he was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice. Last week Folk connected on his only field goal attempt and all six of his extra-point tries in the 45-0 win over the Chargers. The veteran should be ready for Thursday's game, as the offense faces a stiff test against a Rams defense that sits fifth in the league, giving up just 20.3 PPG this season.

Gay (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game versus the Patriots, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

Gay avoided the injury report Monday and Tuesday before he was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice. The downgrade was enough to place a cloud over his availability for Week 14. If the Rams end up elevating Austin MacGinnis from the practice squad Thursday, it could signal that Gay won't be available for the contest.

Boswell (hip) didn't practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Per Varley, coach Mike Tomlin said that Boswell's practice participation will guide the team's decision on whether he'll play Sunday in Buffalo. By that metric, Bowswell's absence Wednesday isn't a promising start. Matthew Wright filled in for Boswell in Monday's loss to Washington, and while Wright didn't miss, Pittsburgh's decision to pass on a field-goal attempt from Washington's 28-yard line with the game tied and under five minutes remaining likely would have played out differently had Boswell been available.

Zuerlein missed three of his four field-goal attempts and connected on both his extra points in Tuesday's loss to the Ravens.

The nine points he left on the table didn't ultimately matter in a 34-17 defeat, but it was still a dreadful performance from the veteran kicker. Zuerlein missed from 40, 53 and 52 yards on three straight attempts, but it may have just been one of those nights in Baltimore, as even the normally ultra-reliable Justin Tucker missed a 36-yarder. The Dallas offense has been handing him plenty of opportunities lately -- Zuerlein's attempted at least three FGs in four of the last five games -- but his inability to convert consistently puts his fantasy utility on shaky ground.

Wright reverted from Pittsburgh's active roster to the practice squad Tuesday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

The 24-year-old was perfect in his debut Monday against Washington, making his lone field-goal attempt and both PATs during the loss. The availability of Chris Boswell (hip) will determine whether Wright receives another chance to kick Week 14.

Hopkins went 3-for-3 on field-goal attempts and made both extra-point tries in Monday's win over the Steelers.

Hopkins nailed all three field-goal attempts from the 40-49 yard range Monday. Since Washington's Week 8 bye, Hopkins has gone 11-for-13 on field-goal attempts -- with all but one attempt coming from at least 30 yards out.